In the wake of realizing the serious consequences of drunken driving offences, several measures are being taken both the government and private agencies to curb the incidence of drinking and driving accidents. One such measure is the introduction of Ignition Locks in vehicles that will not allow the vehicle to start where the driver tests alcohol in his breathe.

Ignition Locks Mandate for First Time DWI Offenders

Have you ever been convicted under a DWI charge? There are 8 states in the nation that have mandated the fixing of ignition locks in the vehicles of those who have been convicted under DWI charge even once. Usage of ignition locking devices is seen more as a preventive measure than a penalty imposition.


By mandating the fixing of Ignition locks in the vehicles, it amounts to the cars preventing the driver from driving it when he/she is under the influence of alcohol. States namely Nebraska, Illinois, Alaska, Washington and Colorado have joined the bandwagon of mandating Ignition locking devices in the vehicles of those who have been convicted under the DWI legalities even once. Arizona, Louisiana and New Mexico are the first three states to introduce this mandate, out of which New Mexico is the first state to introduce this rule in early 2005. With the current count of states mandating ignition locks increasing to 8, even first time offenders are required to fix an ignition locking device in their vehicle in these 8 states.


A few organizations especially the liquor industry has expressed its opposition to the introduction of mandatory ignition locks in the vehicles. According to the American Beverage Institute (ABI), inspite of their support to the usage of ignition devices for repeat offenders, first time offender rule was not in consensus with them. According to Sarah Longwell of ABI the freedom of having a sip of wine or champagne at a party or wedding is being greatly restricted because of this rule.

Reduced DWI Fatal Accidents

Considering the fact that ignition interlock devices are rarely prescribed by the law, many organizations especially MADD have been demanding for introducing ignition locks even for the first time offenders and have so far been successful in 8 states across the nation.


The state of South Carolina has introduced mandate of ignition lock devices for repeat DWI offenders. It is the only state in the nation that has introduced the mandate for repeat offenders.


Ignition Lock Devices have been successful in reducing the chances of fatal DWI accidents thereby curbing the bane of drunken driving right at its inception. There is a 20% drop in the number of DWI deaths in the country with the help of ignition lock devices.


Sometimes we are left with limited options to curb the growing menace of DWI accidents and ignition lock devices is one such effective instrument to stop drunken driving accidents right in the beginning. If you disagree with this view point write to us with reasoning.

Use and abuse of alcohol have been a frequent topic for discussion in our forum. We have seen number resultant reactions of alcohol abuse and domestic violence is one of them

Alcohol Abuse – The Menace

Alcohol and its consumption as a topic is frequently being visited and more often than normal many regulations keep coming up whose main intent is to curb the consumption of alcohol. All these measures are to primarily stop the abuse of alcohol. Alcoholics often end up involving themselves in such activities that causes both physical and emotional torture and disturbance.


Activities such as driving while intoxicated, domestic violence, partner or spousal violence, health related complications are all the aftermath of alcohol abuse. It is more a menace than a problem. Inspite of number of regulations being laid out to curb the unwanted disturbances as a result of alcohol overdose, activities like driving under the influence of alcohol, partner or domestic violence seem keep happening.

Alcohol Abuse and Domestic Violence

Among the various abuses of alcohol, domestic violence is a predominantly discussed topic. While a section of people believe partner violence or spousal violence is a result of alcohol abuse, others see no correlation between the two. Seriously looking into the issue of domestic violence, in most of the occasions either of the partners is drunk. Which makes it clear that, the chances of violence are more when a person is drunk as he completely looses control over his mind and body.


What is meant by Domestic Violence? It is a state or a condition where the person is subject to both physical and emotional torture like hitting, shoving, beating, verbal abuse and such similar unethical acts causing pain and grief to the victim. Research also makes it clear that in only 25% of the domestic violence cases one of the couple is drunk and such an incident did take place due to alcohol abuse. It also stands to mean that 75% of alcohol abuse cases where not due to alcohol abuse.


Domestic violence also known as spousal violence, dating violence, the victim in all these cases is either the spouse or the dating partner. There are very few cases of alcohol abuse where the victims of domestic violence are parents or any other person. Given the facts domestic violence seems to be a problem more to do with attitude of the people than with the abuse of alcohol.

Yes you can be charged if drunk in public. When facing such situation, make sure that you take the help of your lawyer immediately. Do not hide anything from your lawyer. Give your lawyer every detail possible so that your lawyer can prepare your case in a much better way. During court proceeding, this is extremely important because lack of evidences can have a negative impact on your case.

Complexities for Drinking Publicly

In comparison to other kinds of alcohol-related offenses, there are lots of complexities associated with the drunk in public arrests. When arrested for public intoxication, you need to take the services of experienced lawyers who have expertise in handling drunk in public cases.

The meaning of term drunk in public is quite confusing. Remember the point that you cannot be arrested just for drinking alcohol in a public place. According to US laws, it is the responsibility of law enforcement officials to evaluate that you are intoxicated to the limit that you can cause significant damage either to yourself or to another individuals. Just walking to your house at midnight after drinking at the party is not a criterion of being arrested for drunk in public. You can be booked for public intoxication when you create a scene on the road or scream at other people in a public place.

Blood Alcohol Tests

There is a wrong notion among certain individuals that law enforcement officials can only arrest them for drunk in public when they fail a blood alcohol test or breathalyzer test. Fact of the matter is that if law enforcement officials feel that you are under the influence of narcotics then they are given a legal right by the US government to arrest you under drunk in public without implementing any kind of tests. If you are obstructing public property, there is a strong possibility that you may be booked for drunk in public.

Punishment for being drunk in public

When charged for drunk in public, you can be jailed for a period of six months. Financial penalties can also be imposed on you. To get bail, it is quite important that your lawyer present your dwi defense in an effective manner. If the evidences are against you, it is advisable that you accept your mistake in front of judge. By doing this, you increase your chances of getting some leeway during court proceeding.

Individuals booked under drunk in public needs to be extra careful because if they kept on committing same mistakes, it can have a negative impact on their overall life. To start with, you are going to face plenty of problems in getting a job as employers these days conduct background check of applicant first before offering job. Therefore, if you have criminal record, your job application is going to be rejected. Because of your public intoxication conviction, you are going to face serious issues regarding housing and education.